WATERWAYS/OBSTRUCTIONS: Provides for the removal and salvage of abandoned vessels in waterways (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)

House Bill 301 aims to streamline the process for removing abandoned vessels from Louisiana waterways and their banks, affecting vessel owners and those involved in their removal. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that the last known registrant is the owner of an abandoned vessel, clarifying responsibility. The bill allows third parties to remove abandoned vessels at their own expense if the owner fails to do so after proper notification, and then dispose of or transfer ownership of the vessel. It also requires the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to create rules for obtaining ownership information, issuing salvage titles, and notifying new registrants about their responsibilities. The bill clarifies that it does not authorize entry onto private property without the owner's consent.